Following a recent engine failure suffered by a United Airlines Boeing 777 over Denver this past weekend, Japanese transport authorities have grounded 32 777s with Pratt & Whitney 4000 engines.
The move was announced by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism which will cover jets flying over Japanese airspace along with 32 jets operated by Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA). Of the affected jets, ANA operates the majority of the jets with 19 while JAL has 13.
Japan's notice to airmen issued on Sunday evening will also cover aircraft flying over its territory until further notice.
According to the ministry, the engines used by the aircraft in the recent incident involving the United Airlines flight is from the same PW4000 engine family used on a Japan Airlines Boeing 777 which experienced engine trouble on flight in December.
The incident referred to by Japanese officials was Japan Airlines flight JL904 from Naha, Okinawa to Tokyo-Haneda on December 4. The Boeing 777-200 (JA8978) experienced an engine failure while climbing out and made an emergency landing at Okinawa.
On February 20, United Airlines flight UA328 experienced an engine failure and fire after taking-off from Denver Airport. Carrying 231 passengers and 10 crew, the flight – bound for Honolulu, Hawaii – made an emergency landing at Denver Airport.
In response to the incident, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered increased inspections of Boeing 777 jets with PW4000 engines.
